Community Joins with Town Officials for Ribbon Cutting for Alvan O. Petrus Park

Residents enjoy fun-filled day of food, music and basketball

North Hempstead, NY – North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth, Council Member Dina De Giorgio, elected officials, community leaders and local residents joined together on April 29 for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of North Hempstead’s newest park-Alvan O. Petrus Park in Port Washington. The compact 1.5 acre park underwent a transformation since last year when construction began, going from an overgrown and unusable facility, to a magnificent, and functional community park.

“Our goal from the beginning was to transform the Alvan O. Petrus Park into a recreational space that could be enjoyed by residents of all ages for many years to come and I believe we’ve accomplished just that,” Supervisor Bosworth said. “This inviting neighborhood park will serve as a Town Square for the people who live in the neighborhood; a wonderful place for children to play; and for neighbors to meet neighbors. Everyone involved in this project should be proud to see the culmination of all their hard work and tenacity. It was truly a team effort!”

Supervisor Bosworth pledged to refurbish and improve the park when she took office in 2014. In 2015, the land’s ownership was transferred to the Town and it was dedicated as public park land. In 2016 the $1.3 project was underway.

Councilwoman Dina De Giorgio said, “I have been advocating for the restoration of Petrus Park since 2011- to me it is a beautiful and powerful reminder of my favorite quote by Margaret Meade, ‘never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.’”

“We are thrilled to add this wonderful new park to our inventory of quality recreational facilities in North Hempstead,” said Parks and Recreation Commissioner Jill Weber. “The topography of the site made this project particularly challenging and the result is rather impressive.”
The new park was designed by the engineering firm of Cashin Associates and construction was done by Woodstock Associates. The park features a basketball courts, picnic benches, playground, a walking path and handball court, placed up against a hillside, in order to make maximum use of space on the small parcel of land.
The Town worked closely with community leaders, members of the Hands of Change group and local Harbor Homes residents to incorporate their views into the design.

Alvan O. Petrus Park was named after Alvan Petrus, who died in 1985. He was director of Littig House Community Center an active member of the Port Washington community.